Analysis of Fluid Balance as Predictor of Length of Assisted Mechanical Ventilation in Children Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Abstract

Background. Ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI) is a devastating complication of assisted mechanical ventilation (AMV) and is one of the root causes of prolonged AMV. Many strategies were made to decrease the effect of the same. This study is conducted to determine the association of prolonged AMV with fluid balance and pediatric index of mortality 2 (PIM2) score. Methods. This prospective observational study was carried out in a PICU of a tertiary care centre over a period of 12 months. Patient’s fluid balance was calculated by tabulating fluid input-output over initial 48 hours of AMV. The PIM2 score on admission was documented. The association between qualitative variables was assessed by a chi-square test. Comparison of quantitative data measured between cases with duration of AMV≥7 days and 15%) and PIM2 score (>5). By strict maintenance of fluid balance with appropriate intervention, the length of AMV and PICU stay can be decreased.